Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark, Joel Sartore, an experienced photographer and conservationist, takes us on a journey to the rugged terrain of Montana, USA, in search of some of the rarest creatures on the planet.

In a beautiful introduction, the first few minutes of the episode explores Joel's motivation for embarking on this venture. A passionate animal lover, he hopes that by taking striking photographs of these rare creatures and sharing them with the world through his Photo Ark project, he can raise awareness about the need for conservation and preservation of these species.

As Joel sets out into the wilderness, he encounters one of America's most elusive predators - the wolverine. With only 300 of these animals left in the contiguous United States, the wolverine is a true rarity. But Joel is not deterred. Clad in all-black clothing to avoid detection, he sets up his camera traps in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to capture the wolverine's image.

Joel's dedication pays off, as he captures several images of the wolverine, each one more stunning than the last. But the episode doesn't just focus on the big, charismatic animals. Joel also captures images of lesser-known creatures, like the brightly-colored black-footed ferret, a small carnivorous mammal that was once thought to be extinct.

As Joel's journey continues, he encounters a different set of challenges - capturing images of flying creatures. The Clark's nutcracker, a rare bird that is native to the western United States, is an especially difficult subject. With its high-pitched call and skittish nature, the nutcracker constantly eludes Joel's camera. But the photographer isn't one to give up easily. He compiles an array of techniques and gadgets to track the bird's movements, eventually capturing the perfect snapshot.

The episode concludes with a powerful message from Joel, as he reflects on the significance of his work. He emphasizes that every animal - no matter how big or small - is essential to the planet's ecosystem. Shooting captivating images of these creatures should be viewed as an act of love and responsibility. With the rate of extinction soaring high, preserving these creatures isn't a luxury anymore, it's a necessity.

Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark season 1, episode 1, Episode 1, takes you through a journey into the woods and introduces you to some of the rarest creatures on the planet. The poignant message of the episode quickly gets across the point Joel Sartore wants to make - that conservation is necessary for the survival of every species on the planet, no matter how big or small, and by capturing the images of these creatures we can help preserve them for future generations.